Features of Greek Theatre

The theatre was where all plays were

performed. Theatres were open and located in regions

with superb acoustics, this was also emphasised by the construction of the theatre.

Acoustics refers to the amplification of sound (the actors/chorus’ voice) which was important as some theatres fit between 18000 to 30000 people.

Theatre

Orchestra

orchestra originally meant dancing place and was a large flat circular area where the chorus dance and sung in honour of Dionysus.

Orchestra could be transformed to suit the needs of the play.

An altar to Dionysus was located in the middle of the Orchestra

Parados were entrances on either side of the

orchestra and were used by the chorus and messengers.

If a messenger came from on side it meant he came from the city, the other side means country.

Proscenium was an elevated level above the orchestra.

Parados and Proscenium

Skene was behind the proscenium – it was

where the actors made their entrance. Darius in the Persai would have entered from

the Skene as a ghost. It could be transformed to suit the play Portable screens and backdrops could be hung

off the Skene to imitate locations.

Skene

It was originally a tent, but it was later built of

wood or stone with a flat roof – this flat roof could also be used as action ( roof of a palace )

Skene was also used as a dressing/change room. Skene also incorporated movable props such as

thrones, statues, etc. Skene housed theatrical devices such as the

ekklykema that was a trolley that could be rolled through the central doors and a pulley system called the deus ex machina.

Skene

All actors in Greek plays wore masks that

covered the whole head and tied under the chin.

How were they made? – made of linen, covered with either thin clay, plaster, wood or bark.

3 types of masks: tragic, comic, satyric

Masks

Due to the size of the theatre, expression on actors

faces would be impossible to see – masks conveyed emotions.

Masks were important as they amplified the voice of actors – they were like a megaphone.

Tragedy – ordinary face fitting size with wigs attached.

Comic – exaggerated caricatures sometimes with prominent features, they were meant to be ugly and silly.

Animal masks were sometimes worn by the chorus.

Masks

Our knowledge of costumes comes from vase

paintings. Tragic costumes were derived from the robes of

Dionysus. Chiton – robe sewn at the side with holes for arms

and head. It had long sleeves and was embroidered. Cloak worn with Chiton Black clothing worn by wretched or persecuted

characters. Women characters wore their cloak differently Messengers wore short chitons.

Costumes: Tragic

Actors needed to appear larger so the

audience could see them: Kothornoi – boots with high cork soles. Body was padded. Gloves with long fingers were worn.

Costumes: Tragic

Male characters wore a short chiton and cloak

with tights. Comic actors are supposed to appear as short,

fat and distorted. Comic actors wore flat shoes Phallos – an exaggerated penis made of

leather tied to the waist, its origins associated with Dionysus and fertility.

Costumes: Comedy